Shows
Concrete LogicEP #139: Concrete Reality Check - INDOT Calls Out the Cement IndustryIndiana just told the cement industry it won’t accept any blended cement with more than 10% limestone. That’s a first - and it’s not sitting well with the people who pushed Type IL cement in the first place. For the first time, a state DOT pushed back on Type IL cement—and the industry fired back. Indiana’s Department of Transportation says it’s protecting performance after bridge decks started scaling. The American Cement Association says the DOT’s new limits are unnecessary, confusing, and unscientific. So, who’s right—and what does it mean...
2025-11-1839 min
Concrete LogicEP #137: Silica Fume vs. Colloidal Silica in Concrete - Which One Really Performs?What happens when the concrete industry’s “wonder dust” meets its high-tech rival? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett brings back Dan McCoy and Dr. Jon Belkowitz to challenge everything we thought we knew about silica fume. From bridge deck overlays that crack like eggshells to the real CO₂ math no one wants to talk about, the guys separate hype from chemistry and ask the only question that matters: What are we really asking this concrete to do? What You’ll Learn • What is silica fume really — and how did it end...
2025-10-2853 min
Concrete LogicEP #130: Concrete Failing with Type IL? It Might Be the Admixtures, Not the CementEveryone’s pointing fingers at Type IL cement, but what if your admixtures are the real problem? In this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz returns to the Concrete Logic Podcast to challenge the one-to-one replacement myth and shine a light on the role of admixture compatibility. If your concrete is failing early—or your team is just managing problems instead of solving them—this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn: Why do so many people still believe Type IL is a one-to-one replacement? What’s the real impact of outdated admixtures on today’s cemen...
2025-08-1438 min
Add Ten Gallons Concrete PodcastThe Art of Concrete Repair: Insights from Dr. Jon BelkowitzIn this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, Dr. Jon Belkowitz discusses the complexities of concrete repair, highlighting that cracking is inevitable and underscoring the importance of understanding the underlying causes of failure. He introduces various technologies for concrete repair, with a particular emphasis on colloidal silica as a promising solution.The conversation delves into the mechanics of concrete cracks and the process of discovering effective repair methods, while also emphasizing the importance of accurately diagnosing concrete issues. The hosts share insights and anecdotes from their experiences in the concrete industry, shedding light...
2025-06-031h 17
Concrete LogicEP #123: WTF Happened to This Slab? Concrete Fail Costs That’ll Make You SickA photo that looks like the surface of the moon—but it’s a warehouse slab. In this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and Seth Tandett break down what went wrong, how these concrete disasters spiral into lawsuits, and why bad finishing techniques can cost $200 per square foot in repairs.Contractors, RMX suppliers, engineers, and specifiers—this is your crash course in concrete accountability, moisture failures, and job site reality.What You'll Learn in this episode:What can a flashlight reveal about a slab finish that traditional testing can’t?How can a $5/sqft floor re...
2025-06-0337 min
2025-05-0249 minThe Concrete NoteNavigating the Issues with Low Carbon ConcreteJon's talk at the Indiana ACI Awards Banquet in Indianapolis, April 2025. Join us as Jon talks about the taboo topic of low carbon concrete and just how we move forward.
2025-05-0139 min
Concrete LogicEP #118: Concrete Petrography ExplainedIn this episode, Seth Tandett brings back Dr. Jon Belkowitz to unpack a powerful but often misunderstood tool in the concrete world—petrography. From diagnosing floor failures to proactively optimizing mix designs, Dr. Jon explains how petrography gives contractors, suppliers, and engineers a microscopic advantage. Whether you're battling ASR or just curious about those weird white streaks on your concrete, this episode is for you. What’s Inside: ✔️ What petrography actually is—and how it applies to concrete ✔️ How SEM, NMR, and XRD tools help detect durability issues ✔️ Real-world case studies from flooring issues to nano silica researc...
2025-04-1051 minThe Concrete NoteThe Behavior of Water in Cementitious Hydration with the Addition of Colloidal Nano Silica Part 3
2025-03-1902 minThe Concrete NoteThe Behavior of Water in Cementitious Hydration with the Addition of Colloidal Nano Silica Part 2
2025-03-1902 minThe Concrete NoteThe Behavior of Water in Cementitious Hydration with the Addition of Colloidal Nano Silica Part 1
2025-03-1901 min
Concrete LogicEP #114: The True Cost of Low Carbon ConcreteThe Concrete Logic Podcast ️ Hosted by: Seth Tandett In this episode, Seth sits down with Dr. Jon Belkowitz to explore the true cost of low-carbon concrete and its impact on the industry. They discuss: The balance between sustainability and performance in concrete The hidden costs of low-carbon concrete initiatives ️ How technology is shaping the future of sustainable materials The role of proper curing in maximizing durability TOP TAKEAWAYS: Sustainability requires a holistic approach—it's not just about reducing carbon but ensuring durability. Understanding the full life cycle of material...
2025-02-2756 min2025-02-1905 min2025-02-1902 min2025-02-1901 min
Concrete LogicEP #109: ACI 323, The Fast-Approaching Code and Its Impact on ConcreteIn this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett is joined by Rich Szecsy and Dr. Jon Belkowitz to discuss the recently released ACI 323 code on low carbon concrete. The trio dig into the significance of the code, the confusion surrounding its implementation, and the challenges it poses for ready-mix producers and construction practices. The hosts explore the implications of the new code on concrete pumping, the role of authorities in code adoption, and the need for future updates to adapt to evolving industry standards. The episode concludes with reflections on the potential impact of the code and...
2025-01-071h 00
Concrete LogicEP #102: Testing Cement: How to Ensure Quality in the Concrete IndustryIn this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Jon Belkowitz delve into the complexities of cement testing, particularly focusing on Type 1L cement and the challenges posed by blended cements. They discuss the importance of establishing a proactive quality management system to ensure the integrity of concrete mixes, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and quality control measures. The conversation highlights the financial implications of poor quality control and the potential for significant cost savings through proactive measures. Dr. Jon shares insights from his experiences in the industry, advocating for a shift towards more reliable testing practices...
2024-10-2455 min
Concrete LogicEP #098: Concrete Challenges: Mastering Water-to-Cement RatiosIn this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth, Rich, and Dr. Jon discuss the potential issues with water-to-cement ratios in concrete production. They highlight the challenges of using new cement and fly ash materials, as well as the variability in water content and cement quantities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of managing risk and the need for accurate calculations to ensure the desired concrete properties. The episode revolves around the need to re-educate construction industry designers and engineers about the changing definitions and standards in concrete production. The speakers discuss the importance of communication, risk management, and practical problem-solving...
2024-09-121h 07
Concrete LogicEP #096: Understanding the Maturity Method in Concrete ConstructionIn this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Jon Belkowitz discuss the concrete construction maturity method. The maturity method is an estimation technique that predicts in-place concrete strength based on temperature and time. It involves determining the datum temperature and activation energy, developing maturity curves in the laboratory, and placing maturity meters in concrete elements in the field. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and understanding of the method to ensure accurate results. Takeaways The maturity method is an estimation method for concrete strength and requires proper preparation and planning. The ASTM C1...
2024-08-2254 min
Concrete LogicEP #093: Colloidal Silica: The Nano-Particles Concrete Dreams AboutIn this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and Seth discuss colloidal silica and its various applications in the concrete industry. Dr. Jon highlights the differences between colloidal silica and silicates, emphasizing the benefits of using colloidal silica as a densifier and for surface treatments. He also mentions the ongoing efforts to create an ASTM standard for colloidal silica. The conversation touches on the importance of performance testing and the potential long-term impact of using colloidal silica in concrete. Takeaways • Colloidal silica is a controlled suspension of nano-sized particles of silica, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers in di...
2024-07-2546 min
Concrete LogicEP #085: Dr. Concrete Answers Hokie QueriesIn this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Belkowitz answer questions from students at Virginia Tech about concrete mix design. They discuss the role of aggregate size in a mix design, its impact on the cost and control of the concrete, and the importance of a well-graded gradation.
They also touch on the use of recycled concrete aggregate and its potential effects on the hydration process. The conversation highlights the economic and technical considerations involved in selecting the right
aggregate for a concrete mix.
Additionally, Dr. Jon and Seth discuss the impact...
2024-04-2544 min
Concrete LogicEP #073: Hardened by Law - The Future of Concrete AccountabilitySummary
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Dr. Jon
Belkowitz discusses the lack of accountability among civil engineers in the concrete industry. He highlights the disconnect between the design and implementation of concrete structures, with civil engineers often not present on job sites and lacking knowledge of concrete mix design. Dr. Belkowitz emphasizes the need for engineers to take responsibility for their designs and be held accountable for failures. He suggests that insurance companies and lawsuits may be the catalyst for change in the industry. Dr. Belkowitz proposes a new PE exam focused on concrete...
2024-01-1834 min
Concrete LogicEP #062: Dr. Concrete's Top 5 Concrete TechWhat existing concrete technology is making the biggest impact in the industry?
Join us for this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast as Dr. Jon Belkowitz of Intelligent Concrete returns to the show to share his top 5 concrete technologies that are currently making a difference in the concrete industry.
Dr. Jon always keeps Seth on his toes when he visits the podcast; this episode is no different!
Seth thought he was going to sit back and listen to Dr. Jon rave about his favorite concrete tech, but is caught off guard when Dr. Jon wants...
2023-10-0547 min
Concrete LogicEP #053: Colloidal Silica: Concrete's Next SCM️ Attention all builders, innovators, and curious minds! Don’t miss this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast where host Seth is joined by the remarkable Dr. Jon Belkowitz, a concrete guru and patent-holder, who’s here to demystify the world of colloidal silica!
Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just eager to learn, buckle up as Dr. Belkowitz, armed with knowledge from his latest Father's Day book haul, unravels the science behind colloidal silica and its game-changing potential in tackling challenges in the concrete construction industry. With Seth asking the “dumb questions” for clarity and...
2023-06-291h 13
Concrete LogicEP #049 - Unveiling Concrete InnovatorsCurious about the one of the government's driving force behind groundbreaking innovations in the construction industry?
Join Seth as he engages in a riveting conversation with Joseph King, an esteemed authority on sustainable construction and energy innovation. Gain exclusive access to the inner workings of the Department of Energy's ARPA-E and explore its audacious mission to revolutionize the way we build.
From unraveling the challenges of enhancing concrete durability to reducing emissions, we dive deep into the cutting-edge materials and technologies fueling this transformation. Don't miss this captivating episode to uncover the untold stories and extraordinary vision...
2023-06-0144 min
Concrete LogicEP #043 - Concrete AntibioticOn a concrete restoration project, how do you make sure the repairs made address the underlying issue that caused the damaged concrete in the first place?
Typically, you would chip out the spalling concrete, clean it and patch it back. But how do you make sure the root cause of the deteriorating concrete is eliminated?
Hydrogel, a concrete restoration technology, is one solution that seeks to isolate the impurities that reduce concrete's greatest attribute - longevity. Jon Belkowitz with Edyston joins the show to explain what is hydrogel, the chemistry behind the technology, and how...
2023-03-3043 min
Concrete LogicEP #040 - Concrete Logic: Patent PendingA patent is “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” an invention. The U.S. government awards between 200,000 to 300,000 patents per year including ones associated with the concrete industry.
Are patents good for the concrete industry?
Returning to the show, Jon Belkowitz of Intelligent Concrete shares his experience with patents and why he believes they benefit the industry. He tells how his ideas were stolen by others in the past and how he protects his ideas today.
If you ever thought about patenting your concrete idea, you'll want...
2023-03-021h 00
Concrete LogicEP #025 - Concrete EuphoriaIs the industry delusional when it comes to carbon-neutral concrete?
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Jon Belkowitz of Intelligent Concrete shares his concerns about what is happening to the concrete industry as we all chase carbon neutrality. Grab a coffee, sit down and listen to Jon as he challenges us with several questions:
Will the industry's effort fall by the wayside like past trends including the Prescription To Performance (P2P) initiative and self-consolidating concrete?
Are there bad players taking advantage of the market by selling us BS products that promise to deliver...
2022-10-1340 minAdd Ten Gallons Concrete PodcastEpisode 25. Jon BelkowitzIntelligent Concrete:https://www.intelligent-concrete.com/Acti-Gel 208:https://activeminerals.com/products/acti-gel-208/Jon's YouTube Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCswFf6zAZaTWQOyYGMmmlAw
2022-02-011h 39The Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 10 - Michelle Wilson of Portland Cement AssociationHailey Bennett of Intelligent Concrete was so lucky to get to interview a woman passionate about educating the concrete and construction industries. Michelle Wilson is the Director of Concrete Knowledge at the Portland Cement Association. Michelle is an American Concrete Institute Fellow and has made significant contributions to the cement and concrete industries through development, education, and design.
2021-01-0615 minThe Concrete NoteConcrete vs. Ashpalt - Interview with Angela Folkestad of ACPAIn this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz - Chief Technology Officer of Intelligent Concrete, interviews the Executive Director of American Concrete Pavement Association, Colorado/Wyoming chapter about why concrete is a superior material to asphalt. Angela shares some shocking data and research results and Jon gets fired up!
2020-12-1622 minThe Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 9 - Shannon Seipel of CarbonCure TechnologiesHailey Bennett of Intelligent Concrete LLC. loved getting to chat with Shannon Seipel of CarbonCure Technologies. Shannon currently works as the Technical Services Manager and has over 15 years of experience in the concrete and construction industry. Listen to this interview to learn about Shannon's role in the industry, a few horror stories of her early years as a woman in concrete, and how she overcame diversity and "found her tribe".
2020-12-0914 minThe Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 8 - Dr. Karen ScrivenerHailey Bennett of Intelligent Concrete LLC. was honored to interview Dr. Karen Scrivener, a material scientist on the cutting edge of research and design of sustainable cementitious materials. She currently serves as a Professor and head of the Laboratory of Construction Materials in the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering at EPFL in Switzerland. In this interview, they discuss the future of concrete and cement sustainability, frustrations with the current concrete research sector, how to make a splash in the industry as a woman, and more!
2020-11-0443 minThe Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 7 - Interview with Amy Brooks of Castle Rock Construction CompanyIntelligent Concrete Staff Engineer Hailey Bennett had the privilege of interviewing a leader in innovation and sustainability for the concrete and construction industries. In this episode, Amy Brooks, Chief Operating Officer for Castle Rock Construction Company shares her advice for women entering our trade, examines how and why she chooses concrete for construction and why this industry means so much to her.
2020-10-2117 minThe Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 6 - Sarah Sanders of ACPAHailey Goodale of Intelligent Concrete LLC. had the privilege of interviewing Sarah Sanders, Pavement Engineer for the American Concrete Pavement Association - Colorado/Wyoming Chapter. In this interview, they discuss frustrations they each have with the concrete and construction industries, what it's like being a woman in concrete, and how to push through trials and tribulations.
2020-09-2316 minThe Concrete NoteIntroduction to Geopolymer ConcreteMallory Westbrook, a Staff Engineer at Intelligent Concrete, reviews the basics of geopolymer concrete and the balance of silica and alumina for desired strength and fresh properties
2020-09-1704 minThe Concrete NoteWhy It's OK If You Don't Like Working from Home with KidsMallory Westbrook, a Staff Engineer at Intelligent Concrete, is a full-time mom to 2 young kids and working as an Engineer. In this podcast, Mallory shares the challenges and lessons she has learned balancing the two.
2020-09-0305 minThe Concrete NoteStaff Introduction - Kelly MenendezThanks for listening to The Concrete Note! Today's episode features an introduction to one of Intelligent Concrete's Staff Engineers, Kelly Menendez. In it, she shares her passions, what she brings to the table, and what topic she'll be covering in the coming weeks. Check it out!!!
2020-08-1304 minThe Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 5 - Mallory Westbrook of Intelligent ConcreteHailey Goodale of Intelligent Concrete had the privilege of interviewing one of her coworkers, Staff Engineer Mallory Westbrook. This episode details how Mallory transitioned to the industry, her top tip for being respected as a woman in concrete, and more!
2020-07-1411 minThe Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 4 - Interview with Whitney Belkowitz, CEO of Intelligent ConcreteHailey Goodale of Intelligent Concrete had the privilege of interviewing the company's CEO - it features stories about her start in the industry, starting and growing a business in the face of pushback, and her experience as a woman in concrete.
2020-07-0714 minThe Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 3 - Interview with Anne EllisIntelligent Concrete had the privilege of interviewing a woman who has changed the concrete and construction industries for the better. Anne Ellis is a professional engineer with more than 3 decades of experience in the industry. Former ACI National President, Executive Director of the Charles Pankow Foundation, CEO of Ellis Global, the list goes on and on! She is a force in the concrete and construction industries and has inspired us to stay curious and push for innovation.
2020-05-1123 min
The Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 2 - Interview with Angela FolkestadIntelligent Concrete had the privilege of interviewing one of the biggest rockstars in the concrete industry, Angela Folkestad, executive director of the Colorado/Wyoming chapter of American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA). Hear how she got her start in the industry, her experience as a woman in concrete, and her advice for those starting out in the industry.
2020-04-1315 min
The Concrete NoteWomen in Concrete - Episode 1 - Carly PaigeStep into the Magical World of Concrete with us - specifically, hear from one of the leaders in concrete, Carly Paige, about her experience in the concrete and construction industries as a female. Carly discusses adversity she's faced, her time at Martin Marietta Materials, and how she handles being a minority in the industry.
2020-03-3024 minThe Concrete NoteA World Wide ShortageJon & Whitney discuss the world wide shortage in salts and how it is effecting the concrete industry!
2019-01-0711 minThe Concrete NoteInterview With Aali of GiatecJon interviews Aali of Giatec https://www.giatecscientific.com
2018-12-1850 min2018-11-2010 min2018-11-2003 minThe Concrete NoteGet Ready To Rock Concrete Chemistry!Today we talk all about concrete chemistry, check out our Medium blog for more articles like this one!
2018-11-1303 minThe Concrete NoteWhat is Colloidal Silica And Why is it Important?Jon reads our article on what colloidal silica is and why it is important for the industry to know about it! You can find this great article on Medium.com/IntelligentConcrete
2018-11-1305 min2018-10-1408 min
The Concrete NoteSewage & Acid Attack on ConcreteOur great article about the research we did on what sewage and acid can do to concrete. Check it out at the link below https://medium.com/@Int_Concrete/sewage-and-acid-attack-on-concrete-b08a282ba069
2018-09-2405 minThe Concrete NoteWhy Does Moss Grow on Concrete?Jon and Whitney talk about moss growth on concrete.. Read our blog post at the link below https://medium.com/@Int_Concrete/moss-growth-on-concrete-1afac9a92940
2018-09-2403 min
The Concrete NoteConcrete Wine VesselsHave you ever tasted wine out of a concrete wine vessel?? Jon had the opportunity todo a research project on concrete wine vessels, he tells his experience in today's podcast.
2018-09-0512 min
The Concrete NoteOur First PodcastThe following podcast acts as an audio file of some of the awesome papers that we have written at intelligent concrete. What if the greatest things about an audio file of a written file is the additional commentary that is throughout the audio program where we go into to a little bit more depth and detail about the different subjects that are covered. We hope you enjoy our podcast and please let us know if you have any comments or questions about the wild frontier’s in the concrete industry. Welcome to the wi...
2018-08-2109 min